My Garden ~ Pukeko’s chicks have hatched
This evening we watched several Pukeko grazing on carrot weed roots in our paddocks, using use their strong red beaks to gouge the roots from the soil. We’ve taken special interest in one little family. Himself put up an electric fence around the nesting area to stop our inquisitive cattle from nosing amongst the grass that hides the nest.
I dared to snap a couple of photos of the nest before the mother bird hurried back. I counted four chicks and two unhatched eggs. There were originally eleven eggs. I guess a rat or stoat must have taken some eggs. I beat a retreat so she could tend to feeding her chicks.
This season, these birds have decimated the sweet corn crop in my vegetable garden. They efficiently stripped the husks and pecked the kernels from the cobs. Pukeko can be regarded with either irritation or amusement - depends on the situation. We have have observed Pukeko raid the nests of other birds. We’ve also watched noisy ground-aerial battles between Pukeko and the hawks that circle before attempting to swoop on the fledgling chicks. Screeching aggressive stubborn birds. But, on the other hand, Pukeko are often fondly viewed as character birds and feature in New Zealand stories or songs, design media and more recently, in advertisements. Enjoy these Youtube snippets filmed by other people showing Pukeko in different situations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw8QJWdC650&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpkbO2cMILE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRCc4hJO40A&feature=related
Pat McNally said,
February 12, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Love your blog!!!
nezza said,
February 15, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
Wow - they’re rather fantastic looking birds. They kind of look a bit like pheasants. I have to say, I quite like the power ad.
keewee said,
March 14, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Hello Jenny, I came across your blog last night while researching “raised gardens” I am excited to finally come across a Kiwi blogger with similar interests as mine, not one of the “youngsters” who prattle on about boys etc.
It is 7:76am here in USA (I have been here 27 years) and after I have my coffee and get my day started, I intend on reading more of your blog.
Just love the Pukeko and was delighted to see it on many Tourist souvenir items when I was there in November.
Jennifer
Jenny Litchfield said,
May 12, 2008 @ 6:57 am
Hey Pat and Nezza - glad you enjoyed the pukeko. So nice to meet a kiwi blogger, Jennifer. Stay in touch. Cheers, Jenny.